1. The Thermostat Is Set Wrong or Not Working

It may seem like a simple fix, but quite often an air conditioner that won’t turn on is due to a problem with the thermostat setting. For example, if one of your children is playing with the thermostat and sets it to “heat” instead of “cool,” the system won’t turn on. If the batteries have died on the thermostat, the AC also may not turn on. Make sure the thermostat is working properly and is turned on with the temperature set appropriately.

2. The Air Filter Is Clogged

If the system won’t turn on, or if it seems to turn on but isn’t cooling the home, then the air filter may be clogged. Replace or clean the air filter, depending on the type you have, and see if it solves the problem.

3. Problems with the Condenser

If it’s the condenser that will not turn on, the problem may be with a faulty motor. It could also be a wiring problem that means the unit is not receiving any power. Start your search for the problem with a thorough inspection of all wiring running to the unit. If this doesn’t provide a solution, check that the motor is working as it should. This may be a time when you need to call in a pro for help.

4. No Power to the System

Another common problem that will cause the system to not turn on at all is a tripped breaker. Check the circuit breaker to ensure that you haven’t tripped the breaker running to the air conditioning. If you have, reset it and try again. However, if it trips a second time, you will need to contact a professional. Continuing to reset it could lead to a fire risk.

5. A Blocked Condensate Drain

Your air conditioner creates condensation naturally as it runs, and a condensate drain line will funnel that outside of your home. If that becomes clogged or backed up with algae, and water overflows, a drain float switch will trigger and stop the air conditioning from running to prevent water damage. Use a wet/dry vacuum to clean out the main condensate drain line to put a stop to this problem.

Schedule AC Repair with Axberg

If you have run through this list and failed to find the problem, Axberg is ready to help. Give our team a call for expert air conditioning repair and service. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you don’t have to suffer through uncomfortable heat.

Call (815) 873-6003 or contact us online to discuss your AC repair needs.

Furnace Condensation

Furnaces, especially the high efficiency options, will produce condensation. This condensation is supposed to flow through a condensation tube and into your floor drain. However, sometimes that tube becomes clogged or something breaks the flow down the drain, and the condensation will back up. Eventually, it will come flowing out from under your furnace.

This is not a problem in most cases, though you do need to address it to ensure that your furnace is not subject to water damage. See where the clog is, address it, and the water should dissipate.

However, if your furnace is standard efficiency and has a metal exhaust pipe, you should not have condensation. Any condensation on these furnaces means that the flue pipe is the wrong size. Replacing the flue pipe with a properly sized one will fix the problem.

Faulty Secondary Heat Exchanger

If condensation is not the issue, the furnace’s secondary heat exchanger may be. This requires a professional to check the system, and this type of furnace repair is a bit costly but doable. If you cannot pinpoint condensation as the problem, call Axberg at (815) 873-6003 to take a look at the heat exchanger.

Furnace Humidifier Problems

If you have a humidifier connected to your furnace, this could be the source of the leak. Thankfully, humidifier problems are less critical than furnace problems, but you should still have them checked out. Any time there is water in a warm environment, you have the risk of mold growth, so you need to address it before that happens.

Help Stop Leaks with Annual Furnace Maintenance in the Rockford, IL Area

The best way to stop leaks and condensation is to ensure your furnace is working as it should all year long. This starts with an annual service check. At an annual maintenance appointment, one of Axberg’s qualified technicians will carefully inspect your system and ensure that it is working properly, offering advice for repairs that might stop problems before they get worse. Find out more about our maintenance services or consider joining our Crystal Club maintenance club to ensure that you never forget that maintenance check appointment. Stopping issues before they grow will help keep your home safe and protected.

Most of the time, water around your furnace is a minor problem, but it’s always good to figure it out. Contact us online or give us a call at (815) 873-6003 to discuss your needs today.

1. Clean the Outside Unit

Over the fall, winter, and spring, your outdoor AC unit can get full of pollen, dust, leaves, and other outdoor debris. Before turning on the air conditioner for the first time, give it a good cleaning. Don’t just clean the outer casing, though. Disconnect the power and clean the entire thing thoroughly, including the coils and fins. To clean the coils, wash them down with a hose. To clean the fins, scrub them with a soft toothbrush. The metal on the fins is very thin, so do this carefully so you do not damage them.

2. Inspect and Clear the Drain Line

The drain line is near the indoor cooling coil. This can get clogged up with gunk and debris, but it’s easy to flush it out. Simply pour a cup of bleach down the drain, then follow that with a gallon of water. This will clear the drain and make it ready for a busy summer of use. Failing to do this could allow water to back up in the system and spill out into your home, causing water damage or allowing mold to grow.

3. Change the Air Filter

You need to change the air filter in your air conditioner every three months at a minimum. If it’s been a while since you’ve changed it, now is a good time to go ahead and do it. Starting the cooling season off with a new air filter will help you get efficient use out of your air conditioning system.

4. Visually Inspect Wiring

Make sure there is no clear wear on the wiring on the system. Visually inspect it, paying extra attention to the outdoor wiring where animals can cause damage, and give the team at Axberg a call if you notice any wiring damage. We will come and replace the wiring to ensure safe operation when you turn on the system.

5. Schedule Your Annual Service Check with Axberg

Spring is the best time to have schedule an air conditioner tune-up by the team at Axberg. Give us a call to schedule your service check, so we can make sure it is operating at peak efficiency. By having your maintenance check at the start of cooling season, you will be confident that your system is ready to give you reliable service all summer long.

With Axberg’s help, your air conditioner will provide reliable service throughout the summer. Contact us online today for help getting your air conditioning system ready to run so your summer nights can be cool and comfortable.

What Does It Mean to Turn Off Your Furnace?

You may be thinking that you’re already turning off your furnace when you switch from “heat” settings to “cool” settings when the weather warms. While this does stop the furnace from running, it does not turn it off altogether. Turning the furnace off means turning off the pilot light so it does not run at all during the summer.

Why Turning Off the Furnace Makes Sense

So why should you consider turning off your furnace? Even when the furnace is not running, the pilot light burns gas. That adds up to a small amount, but it’s still an amount that you have to pay. You can save around $50 or so, depending on the overall amount you pay per unit of natural gas over the course of the summer. You will also save energy because you won’t be wasting gas burning a flame that you don’t actually need. Finally, if your kids accidentally bump the thermostat to “heat,” you won’t end up accidentally heating your home when it’s 80 degrees outside.

Does Turning Off the Furnace Have Drawbacks?

Turning off your furnace requires turning off the pilot light. That means in the winter or in an unusually cold summer day, you’d have to re-light the light. That can be frustrating, especially if the pilot light is hard to get to, but it’s not something that’s impossible to do. However, you will want to wait to turn it off until you’re confident the warm weather is here to stay, because spring and early summer weather in Rockford can be quite unpredictable.

How to Turn Off Your Furnace

If you are going to turn off your furnace, here’s how:

• Switch off the furnace’s main gas supply. Make sure you turn off the supply to the furnace, not the house, as you’ll still want hot water during the summer.
• Check the carbon monoxide detector to ensure it is running properly.
• Enjoy a cool summer knowing your furnace is off and not wasting money.

It really is simple to turn off your furnace, and by doing so you will save. This is also a good time to schedule an annual inspection with the team at Axberg to ensure your furnace will be ready when winter weather hits again.

Schedule Furnace Services in the Rockford, IL Area with Axberg

Are you looking for more advice about getting your heating and cooling systems ready for summer? Contact Axberg online or give us a call at (815) 873-6003 to discuss your needs. We look forward to helping you make the most out of your home comfort systems all year long.

When Should I Clean My Ducts?

A good rule of thumb for homeowners is to clean your ducts every three to five years. This is the minimum, as this is the length of time that it can take for the ducts to fill back up with grit and grime after a thorough cleaning.

However, some homeowners are going to need more frequent cleanings. According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, you may wish to invest in air duct cleaning more frequently if you:

• Live in an older home
• Have pets
• Have someone with respiratory illness at home
• Have allergies or live with someone with allergies
• Have a problem with dust
• Have a smoker in the home

If you’re dealing with any of these issues, you may want to invest in more frequent cleanings.

Signs You Need Air Duct Cleaning

A better way to answer this question is to consider the signs that show it’s time for air duct cleaning. After all, each home is going to be different in the amount of dirt and debris it has to deal with, so you need to know what to watch for. Here are some signs that your air ducts may need attention:

• Visible dust in the ducts
• Increase in dust in your home
• Dust around the registers
• Increase in allergy symptoms
• Increase in respiratory discomfort

If you are struggling with any of these issues, talk to the team at Axberg to schedule air duct cleaning today.

Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning

There are a number of benefits of air duct cleaning, the biggest, of course, being cleaner air. Having your ducts professionally cleaned reduces the amount of dust in your home, creating cleaner living spaces. Duct cleaning removes unpleasant odors from your home as well, including the smell of pets, cleaning agents, mold, paint fumes, and tobacco.

Duct cleaning also reduces allergy symptoms. This service removes pet dander, bacteria, mildew, and pollen from your air, all things that can cause allergies to worsen. Even if you don’t have allergies, having your ducts cleaned can help you breathe easier regardless.

Schedule Duct Cleaning in the Rockford, IL Area with Axberg

Indoor air quality is an essential part of keeping your family safe and protected. That’s why we offer air duct cleaning service that uses a process certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association. Our industry leading technology ensures your ducts will be cleaned thoroughly, leaving your family with clean air to breathe.

For more information on the air duct cleaning services we offer, and to schedule a service, give us a call now at (815) 873-6003 or contact us online today!

How Humidity Relates to Your HVAC System

Your AC unit should, as stated above, be able to control the moisture level in your home. If it’s failing to do so, you may not be experiencing the level of home comfort that you want. Older, inefficient systems, or systems that were improperly installed may not be up to the job. Additionally, if you are in an environment with very high humidity levels, your air conditioning system alone may not be enough to dehumidify the air.

The same goes for heating systems. In the winter, low humidity in your home can lead to dry skin and nasal passages, aggravated sinuses, and other annoying symptoms.

Benefits of Installing a Whole Home Dehumidifier in Your HVAC System

The most reliable and efficient way to ensure there are correct moisture levels in your home is by installing a dehumidifier directly on your HVAC system. This unit will work with your HVAC system to pull excess water from the air before it moves through your ducts. It will give you the ability to manage both the temperature and humidity levels in your home.

To assure you’re purchasing the right dehumidifier for your home, contact a team of expert HVAC contractors to assist you. They’ll be able to provide you insights into which unit will best fulfill your needs.

Benefits of Installing a Whole Home Humidifier in Your HVAC System

When temperatures drop in the winter, low humidity becomes just as big of a problem as high humidity was in the summer—pair that with the dehumidification properties of your furnace, and that can lead to a very uncomfortable home. That’s why it’s so beneficial to install a humidifier right on your HVAC system. This unit can add moisture to your air before it’s pushed through the ducts in your home.

In the winter, research indicates that your indoor humidity should be between 40 and 60 percent for health and home comfort. Having a whole home humidifier installed will help you achieve that.

Schedule Humidifier or Dehumidifier Installation in the Rockford, IL Area with Axberg

If you’ve noticed that your home has particularly high humidity levels in the summer or unusually low levels in the winter, give Axberg a call. Our team of highly trained technicians can properly install a humidifier or dehumidifier directly on your HVAC system. Not only will this take some pressure off of your air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump, it’ll also give you better results and improve home comfort.

If you’re looking to install a humidifier or dehumidifier in your HVAC system, call Axberg today at 815-873-6003.

Leaky ducts allow the heated or cooled air circulated by your HVAC system to leak out, costing you extra on your energy bill. You can help prevent this problem by making sure your ducts don’t leak. Here’s what the team at Axberg wants you to know about keeping your ducts sealed.

Regularly Inspect Your Ducts for Signs of Problems

One of the biggest factors that causes leaks in your ductwork is age. You can’t prevent this, but you can prevent problems by regularly inspecting your ducts for signs of age and repairing them as needed. If you are using Axberg for your annual HVAC maintenance, a ductwork inspection is part of our twice-a-year maintenance appointments, so this aspect is covered.

Schedule Duct Sealing

Poorly sealed ducts can easily lead to leaks and have the potential of contributing to higher energy bills. In order to prevent this, make sure you schedule duct cleaning with a reputable company that you can trust. At Axberg, our services are performed by trained professionals and are done well.

Prevent Backpressure

Backpressure occurs when something blocks the air flow in your ducts. It places tremendous strain on the ducts, and this can cause leaks. The air has to have a way out, and if it can’t go out through its normal path, it will create another way out on its own.

One of the easiest ways to prevent backpressure is to avoid closing vents in your home. Even if there are areas of your home that you don’t want to heat or cool because you don’t use them, closing off the vents is not wise. Backpressure can be far more costly than heating or cooling a room you don’t use.

Treat Ducts with Care

Another common reason for duct leaks is damage from DIY home repair projects. A stray screwdriver or hammer can puncture a duct and cause problems. To avoid this risk, make sure you treat your ductwork gently.

Duct Sealing in Rockford with Axberg

When you notice leaks in your ducts, you can trust the team at Axberg to help. We offer duct sealing services in Rockford, Illinois and the surrounding communities, with industry-leading technology to test and seal your ducts effectively. Don’t let your energy bills fly out through holes in your ductwork.

Contact Axberg today to discuss duct sealing services, and ensure that your home is working as efficiently as it can.

What Is the Crystal Club?

The Crystal Club is Axberg’s exclusive maintenance program that helps you save on maintenance and repairs all year long. With Crystal Club membership, you are able to pay one low monthly or annual fee, and enjoy a number of benefits. All members receive:

• One air conditioner tune-up a year
• One furnace or boiler tune-up a year
• A multi-point home inspection
• Waived diagnostic trip fees
• Waived after-hours and holiday fees
• One complimentary water heater flush each year

Depending on the level of membership you choose, you will also get discounts on equipment, repairs, and installation. Crystal Club members always receive flat rate pricing structures, and two-year or three-year club members receive priority scheduling.

What Makes the Crystal Club the Best?

The Crystal Club is one of the best plans for HVAC maintenance in Illinois because of the comprehensive list of services that come with membership. Not only do Crystal Club members get their maintenance included each year, but they also get exclusive discounts on some of the best HVAC services in Rockford.

At Axberg, we treat our Crystal Club members to 24-hour-a-day availability and our no-surprise flat rate pricing structure. We can customize the Crystal Club membership to your home, equipment, and specific needs, so you can have peace of mind all year long.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance in Rockford With Axberg Today!

If you are looking for HVAC maintenance in the Chicago or Rockford area, Axberg is the only name you need to know. Contact our qualified team today to learn more about our maintenance services or to become a Crystal Club member. With our help, you can have peace of mind knowing that your HVAC systems are ready to serve you well all year long.

To learn more about Crystal Club membership, give us a call now at (815) 873-6003!

Home Automation

Automating electrical systems is an increasingly popular trend. Homeowners want to be able to control their home lighting with their smartphone or set it up to automatically shut on and off when needed. Motion-sensing lights are a popular example. Lights turn on when someone walks in a room, then switch off when they leave. This can save homeowners money on their utility bill.

Electrical Charging Stations in Garages

According to the Department of Energy, electrical vehicles will soon become much more common, requiring homeowners to find a place in their home to charge up their car. Garages wired for the electrical vehicle revolution are definitely an up-and-coming trend, and those who are interested in purchasing this kind of car will need to upgrade their home’s wiring.

Whole-House Generators

As storms continue to leave homeowners without electricity for weeks, more and more are considering upgrading to whole-house generators. Though normal generators offer temporary power for homes, they can’t compete with the power and reliability that comes with a whole-house version of these systems. After homeowners experience power outages a few times, many turn to this electrical backup system that protects homes from the problems that come with serious outages.

USB Ports Replacing Electrical Outlets

USB ports are becoming increasingly common in the modern home, and homeowners often upgrade their homes by switching out one or more of their traditional wall outlets for a USB power port. These ports allow you to plug your USB-based charger directly into the wall, without a pronged plug. If you’re not ready to get rid of your regular three-pronged outlet, don’t worry. You can pick up an outlet that has the traditional outlet and a USB connection as well!

Upgraded Closet Lighting

Though walk-in closets are great for storing clothing, when there’s only one small overhead light to brighten up the space, they aren’t too convenient. That’s why many are installing more lighting in their closets. From under-the-shelf lighting to spot lighting hung from the ceiling, there are a lot of different ways to better brighten up the space.

Schedule Electrical Service in Rockford, IL with Axberg Today!

If you’re considering one of these electrical upgrades for your Rockford area home, give Axberg a call. Our experienced and dedicated professionals will help you embrace these modern trends safely, with minimal disruption to your daily life.

Contact Axberg today, or call 815-873-6003 to learn more about our electrical services in the Rockford area!

How Air Duct Cleaning Helps

When you run your HVAC system, the dust and debris it picks up get circulated and re-circulated through your home. In some cases, this means that you are constantly bombarded with dust and other allergens. Because this dust and debris hides deep within your ducts where you can’t see it, you may not even realize that you have a problem.

Duct cleaning helps improve your:

• Allergies and asthma – At Axberg, we use the latest technology to effectively remove the grime that’s hiding in your ducts. One of the first things many customers notice after air duct cleaning service is that their allergies improve and they cough and sneeze in their home much less. Without allergens in the air, you can breathe free. Improved indoor air quality is something you can’t put a price tag on because it improves your entire family’s health and well-being.
• Breathing – Even if no one in your home suffers from allergies or asthma, you all still may feel the effects of ducts that haven’t been cleaned in a while. The dust and pollutants that enter the air still have the potential to cause sneezing and coughing for those who typically do not.
• HVAC system – Air duct cleaning also helps your HVAC system. When the ducts are clean, the system doesn’t have to work as hard to blow air through your home. Many homeowners notice a reduction in their energy bills after they invest in duct cleaning.

Why Air Duct Cleaning Is Worth It

Lowered energy bills and improved respiratory health mean that air duct cleaning is definitely worthwhile. It’s a cost-effective way to protect your home’s comfort systems and your family’s health, which makes it a sound investment. If you’re hoping to improve your home’s air quality and family’s health, we recommend investing in regular air duct cleaning every few years.

Schedule Air Duct Cleaning in Rockford with Axberg

If you are ready to the benefits of clean air, then it’s time to schedule duct cleaning service. For service in Rockford and the surrounding communities, call Axberg for fast, friendly service. We utilize industry-leading technology to deep-clean your ducts, and our process is certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association. We take your health seriously and will provide indoor air quality testing to determine how serious your problems are. With our help, your family can breathe safe, clean air all year long.

To schedule air duct cleaning in the Rockford area, call us today at (815) 873-6003 or contact us online!